Blue Jays news: George Springer was in tears before likely final game with Toronto

The 2026 MLB regular season has concluded, and the Toronto Blue Jays, who clinched the AL pennant, will not be competing for a World Series title. On Sunday, the team secured a 5-1 victory in front of their fans at Rogers Centre, during which George Springer was notably emotional about his potential final game with the Blue Jays.

Signing a six-year, $150 million contract with the Blue Jays prior to the 2021 season, the 37-year-old Springer still possesses big-league caliber skills, yet his emotions on Sunday suggest he might have already said his goodbyes to the team.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, Springer was seen crying during a pregame interview with reporters, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity and the unwavering support of the Blue Jays fans. While Sunday's game held no significance for postseason play, it was an emotionally charged affair for the team as a whole.

In addition to Springer's possible retirement, Max Scherzer may also be throwing his final pitch in a professional baseball game, as he delivered a strong start by pitching seven innings of one-run ball. As injuries have begun to take their toll on Springer after a 13-year career in the big leagues, at the age of 37, it may be time for him to step away from the game to prioritize his family.

Despite already possessing a World Series ring, which he earned with the Houston Astros in their controversial triumph in 2017, Springer's potential final game could be a significant moment in his career. In his last big-league game (with a high likelihood of being with Toronto), he went 1-for-2 at the plate before Sean Keys pinch-ran for him.